A judge sentenced Baltimore County resident Rodney Getlan to 35 years in prison for mortgage fraud.

Those victims are from Maryland and across the country. In court, Getlan claimed he was trying to help homeowners get loan modifications just as his own life spiraled out of control.

Homeowners in the 200 block of Luzerne Avenue and in the 5900 block of Key Avenue in Baltimore, along with families living in Owings Mills and surrounding counties all started out as clients, but became victims of Getlan.

"You can't believe anything Rodney Getlan says. It doesn't come from the heart. He doesn't have a heart knowing what he's done to all these people," victim Lauri Hartz said.

Getlan pleaded guilty to nine counts of mortgage fraud in September. Back in court Monday, he received a 35-year prison term with 10 years suspended. The sentence disturbed a friend of Getlan's.

"I think the sentence imposed is outrageous," Getlan's friend said.

It was his mortgage loan modification business that got Getlan into trouble. Prosecutors claim he stole from the people who trusted him, using the funds to support his own lifestyle. He used fake documents and duped victims into sending their mortgage payments to bank accounts he controlled.

Farida Sattaur said she gave Getlan $32,000 in cash. Her family, including her autistic daughter, was evicted from their six-bedroom home.

"If I don't have Ashley, my daughter, in a stable home, the state could remove her from me permanently," Sattaur said.

Prosecutors called Getlan's actions malevolent and meticulous.

"He was warned so he should have known better, but he couldn't help himself from being a criminal. So at that point, victims were just going to be there for his picking," Baltimore County Assistant State's Attorney Adam Lupe said.

Defense attorney Howard Cardin spoke of his client's remorse saying, "Rodney Getlan had to get caught. There was no way he couldn't get caught. He still felt like he needed to help these individuals."

Getlan blamed cocaine abuse and being a pathological gambler, but said his intention was to help the families stay in their homes.

During court he told the victims, "I am truly sorry for all the loss and pain I inflicted on you. My life was in turmoil. I let my addictions control my mind."

After hearing from Getlan, Judge Vicki Ballou-Watts said, "When you get down to it Mr. Getlan, you're a con artist. That's the bottom line."

At this point, Getlan must pay $121,000 in restitution to some of the victims. Payments to the others are still being worked out.